Interrogation-based relay routing for ad hoc satellite networks

Future Earth and space science missions are envisioned to be implemented using a flexible, distributed architecture consisting of a constellation of dynamically deployed or configured satellites that are networked together into an integrated information system. These satellites form an ad hoc network characterised by a frequently changing topology and potentially sparse and intermittent connectivity, which pose unique challenges to routing. We propose interrogation-based relay routing for ad hoc satellite networks, where the satellites interrogate each other to learn more about network topology and nodal capacity to make intelligent routing decisions. Simulations have been conducted to study the effects of satellite density and orbital patterns on throughput and delivery ratio.